Rwanda’s Under-18 women’s national basketball team opened its FIBA Africa Zone 5 Championship campaign with a heartbreaking 60-58 defeat to Tanzania in Cairo, Egypt, despite mounting a spirited second-half comeback.
The loss puts early pressure on Rwanda in the four-team round-robin tournament, where only the overall winner will qualify for the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s African Championship in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Tanzania seized control from the opening tip, winning both the first and second quarters 19-13 to establish a commanding 38-26 halftime lead.
Rwanda, coached by Joseline Munyaneza, returned from the break with renewed intensity, taking the third quarter 17-15 before limiting Tanzania to just seven points in the final period while scoring 15. However, the late rally fell just short as Tanzania held on to secure a two-point victory.
Rwanda’s slow start proved costly, while Tanzania capitalised on turnovers, converting them into 23 points to maintain its advantage throughout much of the contest.
Rose Katamboy and Pendo Laizer starred for Tanzania, combining for 47 of the team’s 60 points. Katamboy finished with a game-high 25 points, while Laizer contributed 22.
Ingabire Liliane led Rwanda’s scoring with 20 points, supported by Ndaruhutse Atete Laisa with 15 and Gaju Kayila Chalva with 11.
The girls’ competition features Rwanda, Tanzania, Egypt and Kenya, with each team playing the others once. Only the team that finishes top of the standings will secure qualification for the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s African Championship, scheduled for August 5-16 in Abidjan.
Rwanda will look to register its first win when it returns to action in its second group-stage fixture.
